The Corvette E-Ray is among the final vehicles that ought to feature Auto-Stop/Start, and yet it does.

      Adam Ismail

      

      

      

      

      

       The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense

      

       Our free daily newsletter delivers the most important stories directly to you each weekday.

      

      

      

      Opinions on auto-start/stop systems are plentiful, and this feature of modern vehicles has become somewhat oddly politicized. I describe it as "oddly" because it is largely an optional feature now, and there’s nothing inherently political about being economical and improving air quality at the same time. That said, I don’t particularly love the feature or believe it’s necessary in every car. When it activated in the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray I’ve been driving recently, I couldn’t help but laugh and shake my head.

      There is a practical justification for having auto-start/stop in the E-Ray: the 6.2-liter V8 consumes a significant amount of fuel, and unlike a plug-in hybrid with a substantial battery offering decent all-electric capability, the E-Ray only runs short distances on electric power. Although it can operate for a few miles on electricity alone, the engine is still burning fuel most of the time. Interestingly, the E-Ray is one of only two C8 models featuring this technology, the other being the formidable ZR1X.

      The problem with a Corvette utilizing this feature is that the engine is notably loud, and its startup causes the car to vibrate in a way that I find satisfying, but which is unnecessary to experience multiple times at every stoplight. While I appreciate the LT2’s growl so close to me, I also recognize that the sound of someone else's car is usually enjoyed only by that individual. When the V8 repeatedly goes quiet and then roars to life while at a standstill—particularly as the weather warms and the engine must restart to provide cool air into the cabin—it can feel disruptive. It seems absurd.

      General Motors

      The advancement in auto-start/stop technology has reached a point where, when functioned correctly in a well-insulated car, it becomes nearly unnoticeable. Such a feature is desirable in a plush, smooth, and quiet luxury vehicle, like the Land Rover I drove right before this. In that vehicle, it feels as if you're gliding along the road effortlessly, even at 80 mph. This experience is in stark contrast to the sensations intended by a mid-engine V8 supercar.

      Furthermore, there is an additional drawback regarding GM's execution of this feature in the E-Ray. It’s more challenging to justify auto-start/stop in cars that don’t allow you to disable it permanently. The E-Ray offers six driving modes, yet even if you deactivate auto-start/stop in your personalized “My Mode,” it reactivates the next time you start the car.

      You can configure My Mode for maximum comfort—even if it's minimal in this vehicle—but you cannot save your auto-start/stop preference. Adam Ismail

      At least the toggle is conveniently located on the left-side touch control panel, which means you might find yourself using it before every trip. Some may find this a dealbreaker; however, I would argue that missing out on this remarkable machine over such a minor inconvenience would be a mistake. Sure, it shouldn’t function like that, but trust me: Given all that the E-Ray offers, it’s an annoyance I can tolerate. That said, I would recommend GM reconsider this setup when the hybrid Corvette evolves into the even more powerful Grand Sport next year.

      Have a tip? Contact tips@thedrive.com